Best Places To Visit in Guatemala

Best Places To Visit in Guatemala

Guatemala is a fascinating country with something for everyone. You will encounter a vibrant culture that blends harmoniously with the country's natural beauty. There are endless places to visit, including lakes, rainforests, exotic wildlife, indigenous markets, Mayan villages, colonial towns and beaches with volcanic sand.

Tikal, Antigua and Lake Atitlán are just a few of Guatemala's most well-known tourist destinations. However, there are many sites in the country that both tourists and residents are unaware of. Our aim is to raise awareness of these locations and improve your understanding of Guatemala's lesser-known travel attractions.

Little Villages around Lake Atitlán

It's no surprise that Lake Atitlán is Guatemala's most popular holiday destination. Surrounded by three magnificent volcanoes, the lake is also close to Guatemala City, home to the country's main international airport. The stunning landscape and temperate Highland climate make it an ideal place to enjoy the lake's fresh water. In addition to this compelling natural beauty, 14 different Mayan communities surround Lake Atitlan. The most popular of these are Panajachel and Santiago Atitlán. The remaining settlements, however, cater for all tastes.
San Juan La Laguna, for instance, boasts an impressive cultural scene and provides numerous workshops and live demonstrations of regional customs. San Marcos La Laguna, on the other hand, embodies the principles of a healthy, natural lifestyle and is perfect for yoga retreats and tranquil outdoor activities. There are also a number of eco-lodges and villas on the banks of the lake that can only be accessed by boat.

Karstic Water Bodies in Huehuetenango

Guatemala's Western Highlands are notable for their pristine environment. The department of Huehuetenango, or Huehue, boasts a significant concentration of natural lagoons and rivers with turquoise waters. The area's unique geology makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Laguna Brava, a "virgin lake" where motorboats are prohibited in order to preserve the purity of the water, is one of Huehue's hidden gems. Another point of attraction is the Candelaria Cenote, a striking natural sinkhole that doubles as a blue-water pool. Despite the possibility of cold weather in the Highland region, the journey to these magnificent bodies of water is an adventure in itself.

Tacaná Volcano in San Marcos

At 4,060 metres (13,320 feet), Tacaná Volcano is one of the highest peaks in Central America. It is situated between Mexico and Guatemala. Hiking this magnificent volcano, which runs parallel to the Mexican border, is an exciting experience. Advanced hiking skills are required for the full climbing experience, which can take up to ten hours. However, the breathtaking views from the summit make the effort worthwhile.

Q’umarkaj, Quiché

The remains of an important ancient Mayan city can be found near the well-known town of Chichicastenango. The K'iche Mayan kingdom played a significant role during the post-classic era (950–1524 CE) and Q'umarkaj was its capital. The K'iche are currently the largest group of people with Mayan ancestry, and they share a similar language and distinctive cultural background. Their most significant legacies are Tecún Umán, Guatemala's indigenous national hero, and the Popol Vuh, a sacred collection of mythological and ethnological tales.

Lagoon Lachuá, Cobán

The tropical forest near Cobán in the department of Alta Verapaz includes the Laguna Lachuá National Park. Lachuá, sometimes known as the 'mirror of the sky', is surrounded by unspoilt nature. One of this location's unique features is the sulphur water that fills the lagoon. Due to the surrounding dense forest, accessing this source of water can be challenging. However, the relatively flat pathways make it an exciting experience suitable for all ages.

Caves of Candelaria, Cobán

Guatemala is home to one of Central America's largest networks of caverns and underground waterways. The Maya civilisation regarded this natural wonder as a sacred place. The area has yielded more than 20 archaeological sites and a significant number of ceramic remnants. The most popular activities in this area of Guatemala are tubing and wet or dry caving.

Xocomil and Xetulul, Retalhuleu

Water slides and roller coasters! Guatemala also has amusement parks that are ideal for adults and children alike. The country's tropical southwest offers recreational activities for locals and foreign tourists alike. Xocomil is an artificial river water park with waves and toboggans! It's the perfect place to cool off in the sweltering tropical climate. Alternatively, Xetulul is a fascinating theme park offering a wide variety of amusement rides. As well as entertainment activities, Xetulul boasts magnificent architectural replicas of numerous international monuments. There are also a number of plazas showcasing the architectural styles of five countries: Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Switzerland. These amusement parks evolved from pleasure resorts where guests could stay overnight and enjoy the excellent amenities at reasonable prices.

Crater Azul, Petén

The blue crater is one of the unspoilt natural treasures of Guatemala's lowlands. You can see the underwater flora in all its glory in the pristine waters of Crater Azul. The best way to experience this natural wonder is on a 1.5-hour boat cruise along the La Pasión River.

Please note that facilities at these remote locations may be basic. We recommend Crater Azul to adventurous travellers who prioritise authentic experiences over luxurious amenities. In order to protect this pristine environment, we urge visitors to refrain from using sunscreen and insect repellent before entering the water (unless they are biodegradable), to avoid single-use plastics, and to leave no trace by properly disposing of all waste.